Save this on Pinterest so you can read it later!
While there are so many to choose from, this is our take on the best hikes in Washington! When we moved here 7 years ago (before we even knew each other!), the mountains were the thing we were most looking forward to about living in the PNW. And let me tell you, they have not disappointed!
With epic hikes for all skill levels, historic fire lookouts, piercing blue lakes, layers of mountains, stunning coastline and of course Mt. Rainier, Washington has it all.
After chasing mountains around the world we have to say, while the Dolomites in Italy gave the PNW a run for our money, the mountains in Washington are still our fav!
Below are our favorites so far, but forewarning – this list is ever-growing! We’re hoping to tackle another dozen or so hikes this summer, so make sure you’re following along on instagram to see all the gems we find!
Overview
| Best Hikes In Washington | Difficulty |
|---|---|
| Kelly Butte | Easy/Intermediate |
| Tolmie Peak | Intermediate |
| Mt. Pilchuck | Intermediate/Difficult |
| Mt. Storm King | Intermediate/Difficult |
| Blanca Lake | Difficult |
| Mailbox Peak | Difficult |
| Bandera Mountain | Difficult |
| Cape Flattery | Easy |
| Oyster Dome | Easy |
| Rattlesnake Ledge | Easy |
Best Hikes in Washington: #1 Kelly Butte Fire Lookout
Kelly Butte Fire Lookout is our most recent find, and boy is it a gem! This hike quickly rose to the top of our list for so many reasons. At the top there are 360 degree views of Mt. Rainier and the North Cascades, along with a historic Washington Fire Lookout.
It’s an easy/intermediate hike, so it’s a great one to kick off the season with as you’re getting back into hiking shape. The views here rival Tolmie (#2 on this list) but you can access this hike much earlier in the season)
- Distance: 3.4 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet
- Difficulty: Easy/Intermediate
- Pass required: Northwest Forest Pass
- Best time to visit: June to October
- Dogs allowed: Yes
- Distance from Seattle: 2 hours
- Details on the Washington Trails Association site here
Before you go make sure to read everything you need to know about hiking to Kelly Butte Fire Lookout!
Best Hikes in Washington: #2 Tolmie Peak
Tolmie Peak is another hike that just makes my heart sing! It’s definitely longer than Kelly Butte but the views are out of this world. At the top there is another historic fire lookout and Mt. Rainier just towers above. While the Mt. Rainier view will just slap you in the face, there is also a stunning deep blue lake below to admire.
The one downside of Tolmie is that it’s closed due to snow for most of the year, so it’s not accessible until mid-July most years.
- Distance: 7.5 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Pass required: National Park Pass
- Best time to visit: Mid-July to September (be careful of snow warnings!)
- Dogs allowed: No
- Distance from Seattle: 2.5 hours
- Details on the Washington Trails Association site here
Psst.. Did you know? All of the photos in this article are edited with our Lightroom Presets that we use to edit our photos! Check them out!
Best Hikes in Washington: #3 Mt. Pilchuck
Mount Pilchuck is an iconic hike that would make most people’s “Best Hikes in Washington” list. Mt. Pilchuck is yet another peak with a historic fire lookout. If you have a clearer day than we did, the lookout grants panoramic views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker and the Olympics!
There’s a bit of a rock scramble getting up to the fire lookout, but other than that the hike is intermediate. This hike is definitely not a best-kept secret, though, and the summit is pretty small. So I’d recommend starting ASAP in the morning to beat the crowds.
Similar to Tolmie, Pilchuck is not accessible due to snow until mid-July or so. Make sure to check the WTA reports to see when the snow clears!
- Distance: 5.4 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 2300 feet
- Difficulty: Intermediate/Difficult
- Pass required: Northwest Forest Pass
- Best time to visit: July to September
- Dogs allowed: Yes
- Distance from Seattle: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Details on the Washington Trails Association site here
Best Hikes in Washington: #4 Mt. Storm King
Mount Storm King was a new find for us this year and it quickly made it’s way onto this list! This trail is a total thigh-burner but the views are incredible.
The hike consists of a ton of switchbacks and then a fun and challenging ropes portion before the final scramble to the top. The trail is short but steep, and will definitely feel like a workout!
It’s located in Olympic National Park and is a great hike to do on a trip to the Olympic Peninsula. Read all about it here!
- Distance: 4.0 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 2065 feet
- Difficulty: Intermediate/Difficult
- Pass required: None
- Best time to visit: May to October
- Dogs allowed: No
- Distance from Seattle: 3 hours
- Details on the Washington Trails Association site here
Before you go make sure to read everything you need to know about hiking to Mount Storm King!
Best Hikes in Washington: #5 Blanca Lake
I used to say I hated hiking to lakes until we discovered Blanca. Blanca Lake is one of the most gorgeous bodies of water we’ve ever encountered. The reflections in the Tiffany-blue water are honestly breathtaking and make it so worth the trek!
The trek is not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure. There are something like 30 steep switchbacks to get here, but it’s worth it in the end. This place is also prone to snow, so if you aren’t prepared for that definitely aim for mid-July to September and check the WTA site for current conditions. If you are looking for a winter hike and have proper snow gear, though, this hike is a good option for a winter adventure!
It also appears they have restored the road, which makes this hike much more accessible than when we went. When we were there the 2+ miles of road leading to the trailhead were washed out, so we had a fun extra 4 miles on our hike :).
- Distance: 7.5 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 3,300 feet
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Pass required: Northwest Forest Pass
- Best time to visit: July to October
- Dogs allowed: Yes
- Distance from Seattle: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Details on the Washington Trails Association site here
Best Hikes in Washington: #6 Mailbox Peak
Mailbox Peak is a must-do hike in Washington! It’s a long and strenuous trek to the top but when you put your letter in the iconic summit mailbox it’s all worth it! The top also has panoramic views and a clear view of Mt. Rainier.
This hike will definitely make your legs burn as the incline is relentless. On average there is 850 feet of elevation gain per mile but then the last 1/2 mile… oh my gosh. Climbing almost 1,000 feet of elevation gain in a half mile had my legs feeling like freakin’ jelly!
This used to be a pretty insane hike (read: dangerous) but in recent years they made a new trail that is hard but doable. Make sure you take the NEW TRAIL!
- Distance: 9.4 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 4,000 feet
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Pass required: Discover Pass
- Best time to visit: May/June to October unless you have spikes and snow trekking gear
- Dogs allowed: Yes
- Distance from Seattle: 45 minutes
- Pro tip: since it’s so close to Seattle, this trail is VERY popular – go early!
- Details on the Washington Trails Association site here
Best Hikes in Washington: #7 Bandera Mountain
Bandera Mountain is another difficult but rewarding hike! It’s a steep climb with a rock scramble at the end, but both the journey and the summit are stunning. Along the hike there are stunning wildflowers and Mt. Rainier peaks through the trees every now and again. At the top there are beautiful sweeping views and there’s a lake to admire down below.
- Distance: 8 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 3400 feet
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Pass required: Northwest Forest Pass
- Best time to visit: May to October
- Dogs allowed: Yes
- Distance from Seattle: 1 hour
- Details on the Washington Trails Association site here
Best Hikes in Washington: #8 Cape Flattery
While I consider this more of a nature walk than a hike, Cape Flattery definitely deserves a spot on the Best Hikes in Washington list. This short and flat trek on the Olympic Peninsula takes you to beautiful Cape Flattery on the Pacific Coast.
Fun fact: Cape Flattery is the northwestern-most point of the contiguous United States! The rugged coastline is stunning and we stayed here for hours watching the waves crash into the coast.
Pro tip: if you’re going for sunset, make sure you’re equipped to drive out in the pitch black. The roads leading here are windy and not well-lit at all.
- Distance: 1.5 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 200 feet
- Difficulty: Super Easy
- Pass required: Makah Recreation Pass (purchase at Washburn’s Grocery or the Makah Tribal Museum)
- Best time to visit: Year-round, weather permitting
- Dogs allowed: Yes
- Distance from Seattle: 4.5 hours
- Details on the Washington Trails Association site here
- Note: as of June 29, 2020 this is still CLOSED due to COVID. Keep an eye on the WTA site for updates.
Best Hikes in Washington: #9 Oyster Dome
Oyster Dome is a super fun and easy hike with views that are unique from the rest of this list! From the top here you see stunning views to the west that include Orcas Island, Lummi Island, Samish Bay, Vancouver Island and the Olympics!
Pro tip: there are two trails for Oyster Dome, one of which is steeper and has more switchbacks. Make sure to check the WTA website to access the correct trailhead.
- Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 1050 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pass required: Discover Pass
- Best time to visit: Year-round
- Dogs allowed: Yes
- Distance from Seattle: 1.5 hours
- Details on the Washington Trails Association site here
Best Hikes in Washington: #10 Rattlesnake Ledge
LOL I’m embarrassed that this is my only salvageable photo from Rattlesnake Ledge, but the last time I did this hike was in 2016. We went with some friends and hiked a bunch of ice cream up to the top to sell in order to raise money for the WA Trails Association and other charities.
Anyways, Rattlesnake Ledge is a quintessential Washington Hike. The sweeping views are gorgeous and the top is a perfect place for a picnic. Grab a spot to sit (if you can find one) and admire the bright blue lake down below.
Since it’s one of the closest to Seattle and is pretty easy, the crowds here get pretty nuts. Even so, it’s definitely worth putting on your WA bucketlist! We’ve hiked it at least half a dozen times and it’s a super fun activity to bring the folks who come visit us.
- Distance: 4 miles roundtrip
- Elevation Gain: 1160 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Pass required: None
- Best time to visit: March to September
- Dogs allowed: Yes
- Distance from Seattle: 40 minutes
- Details on the Washington Trails Association site here
- Note: as of June 29, 2020 this is still CLOSED due to COVID. Keep an eye on the WTA site for updates.
Resources & reminders
Before you embark on any hike in Washington, here are a few resources and reminders.
- Always check WTA.org for the latest info before you head out. I also highly recommend downloading the WTA (Washington Trails Association) app and adding the hike to your “backpack.” This stores all the hike info locally so you can access it offline.
- Trailheads are often mis-marked in Google, so make sure to follow the directions the WTA provides instead.
- Many hiking areas don’t have service, so download offline Google Maps for the area prior.
- Make sure you always come prepared with water and supplies, and of course LEAVE NO TRACE.
- As of June 26th, masks are required in Washington in all indoor public spaces and all outdoor spaces where you can’t keep 6 feet of distance. Many of these trails are narrow, so it’s important to have a mask accessible to put on for passing.
Other PNW Inspo
- Gorgeous Cannon Beach Oregon getaway!
- Kelly Butte Fire Lookout Hike – our favorite hike in Washington!
- Epic colorful bus in eastern WA!
Make sure to subscribe below to get all of our travel guides, hiking recs and photography tips straight to your inbox!
Enjoy your hike!
Kylie & Scott
(If you liked this article or have any questions, please comment below! And make sure to follow along on Instagram @LoveHardTravelOften)
Save this on Pinterest so you can read it later!
